Speaking at the 50th State Drama Festival, the Chairman of the State Drama Advisory Council, Mr Parakrama Niriella, severely criticized the Minister Mr Vidura Wickramanayake. Sri Lanka Latest News
This state drama festival was held at the National Youth Service Council under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickramasinghe yesterday (19) afternoon.
Buddhasasana, Minister of Religion and Culture Mr. Vanura Wickramanayake and many artists were present.
Here, many awards including 60 state awards and 5 awards for international award winners were presented for short and long stage dramas.
Mr. Parakrama Niriella, who addressed the gathering, made the following comments.
“On this motherland that has a democratic government, we who are engaged in the theatre know the heartbeat of our theatre industry. Based on that knowledge, we suggested that it is appropriate to give appreciation awards to three artists and one artist who has written the name of our motherland abroad. Three proposed so, knowing that it had been so given before. Dramatist Douglas Siriwardena was sent a letter on December 11, 2023, saying that since a policy decision has been taken to give one award to each category, he will be given the award which he deserves next year. Who made such a policy suddenly? On inquiring about this, the department came to know that the change was made according to the minister’s order. Such an incident happens only in this country. I have not heard that it happened anywhere in the world. This is disrespectful to an artist who has done a mission to the theatre arts. Something against morality. An indelible mark. If the minister and the director can change the decisions at will, there is no point in me being on this advisory board. For this reason, from the moment I step down from this stage, I will resign from the chairmanship and membership of the State Theatre Advisory Council. I have things to do. I can go out and make plays. I can be among the people.”
